VCSEL Laser Array Layout for Electronic Beam Steering in 3D Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LIDAR systems face challenges with mechanical and MEMS-based scanning methods due to reliability concerns and limitations in angular range, while phased array scanning faces issues with size and spacing tolerances, necessitating a more compact and efficient light-emitting array for 3D detection and measurement.
Innovation Solution
A laser array comprising a plurality of surface-emitting laser diodes arranged in rows and columns on a non-native substrate, with driver transistors adjacent to the laser diodes, allowing for individual control of laser emissions and power output, and featuring reduced dimensions to increase density and flexibility, enabling a wide field of view and efficient beam steering without mechanical motion or phased arrays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical or MEMS-based scanning methods are used for beam steering, then the system can achieve reliable operation, but the device size and complexity increase due to moving parts and elaborate mirror combinations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical and MEMS-based scanning systems with a purely electronic beam steering approach using a 2D array of VCSELs. Each element in the array can be independently controlled to steer the beam electronically without any moving parts, thereby eliminating mechanical complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the beam steering function into multiple independent VCSEL elements arranged in a 2D array. Each element can be individually addressed and controlled, allowing the system to achieve complex scanning patterns through coordinated activation of discrete elements rather than using a single mechanical scanner.
2Reliability
If phased array scanning is used for beam steering, then mechanical reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements become extremely stringent due to size and spacing tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using VCSELs with optimized emission characteristics and spacing. The vertical cavity structure of VCSELs provides inherently directional emission that relaxes the stringent spacing tolerances required by traditional phased array approaches, while still enabling effective electronic beam steering.
3Productivity
If flash-based LIDAR approach is used, then a large number of points can be generated at once, but flexibility is reduced and individual detector capabilities are constrained by focal plane size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the illumination function into multiple independently controllable VCSEL elements arranged in a 2D array. This allows the system to illuminate different regions of the field of view selectively, providing flexibility to focus on particular targets while maintaining the ability to generate large numbers of points across the entire field when needed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a compact, reliable, and efficient light-emitting array that enhances the accuracy and resolution of 3D measurements, enabling long-range detection with reduced size and cost, and supports high-power pulsed operations for diverse applications.
Implementation Method 1
A vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) is one type of light emitting device that may be used in light-based sensors for measurement of distance and velocity in 3D space
Implementation Method 2
a detector (such as a photodiode or camera) and a light emitting device
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~2C
Figure 3A
AI summary
A laser array includes a plurality of laser emitters arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns on a substrate that is non-native to the plurality of laser emitters, and a plurality of driver transistors on the substrate adjacent one or more of the laser diodes. A subset of the plurality of laser emitters includes a string of laser emitters that are connected such that an anode of at least one laser emitter of the subset is connected to a cathode of an adjacent laser emitter of the subset. A driver transistor of the plurality of driver transistors is configured to control a current flowing through the string.